Shade chart for MIG auto helmet guidance needed

Mark @ Everlast · Jun 3, 2015

I've used the OSHA guide when recommending shade darkness to customers. Can't argue with the good ole gubment. They are always right aren't they? Least ways, you can cover yourself as an employer if you have people welding for you.

https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9778

dragoneggs · Jun 4, 2015

Actually I found that reading glasses was the best upgrade I made. Wearing them under your helmet was 'eye opening'.

Even if you get the light brightness setting 'right' for you, having a sharp image makes a heck of a difference! I encourage you elder gentlemen to try it if you haven't.

Big Barn · Jun 4, 2015

dragoneggs said:
Actually I found that reading glasses was the best upgrade I made. Wearing them under your helmet was 'eye opening'. Even if you get the light brightness setting 'right' for you, having a sharp image makes a heck of a difference! I encourage you elder gentlemen to try it if you haven't.

"Elder gentlemen"

. Thanks for the advice, Mr. Diplomat.

Terry

Industrial Toys · Jun 4, 2015

Yes the readers were an eye opener. I still avoid using them however because it is one more step as you are always taking off your helmit. In the shop environment, they can easily get squashed as well. I wish I could get a reading lense for my mask!

CNC Dan · Jun 4, 2015

Industrial Toys said:
Yes the readers were an eye opener. I still avoid using them however because it is one more step as you are always taking off your helmit. In the shop environment, they can easily get squashed as well. I wish I could get a reading lense for my mask!

You can. We call them cheaters.
You can get them at most LWS .

Gary Fowler · Jun 4, 2015

Beware that some auto dark hoods wont accept cheater lens behind the AD lens. There just isn't enough room for the spring clip to hold them. Now problem with the old Hobart or Lincoln hoods designed for the hard glass dark lens.

CNC Dan · Jun 4, 2015

Gary Fowler said:
Beware that some auto dark hoods wont accept cheater lens behind the AD lens. There just isn't enough room for the spring clip to hold them. Now problem with the old Hobart or Lincoln hoods designed for the hard glass dark lens.

That's a good point. On my cheap hoods, I have been able to cut down the cheater lense to fit. Others I've just taped them in.

Big Barn · Jun 4, 2015

CNC Dan said:
That's a good point. On my cheap hoods, I have been able to cut down the cheater lense to fit. Others I've just taped them in.

I had to do the same for my Lincoln Viking hood. Spent the first 15 minutes trying to figure out what I was doing wrong.
It's a wonder I didn't break anything.

Terry

chrislongevity · Jun 4, 2015

Just as others stated, It is a personal preference. However, If you weld and once you stop, lift your helmet and try to focus on something but there is a white spot on whatever the object is you are focusing on, you need to go a shade darker.

Industrial Toys · Jun 4, 2015

I thought cheaters meant readers. Do they come in the same numbers as readers?

This would be GREAT! No more putting the readers off to one side, just to have to remember where that was.